Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
August 12, 2026
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DCNR Grants at Work: Supporting Water, Wildlife, and Communities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed |
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The Chesapeake Bay is a big deal in Pennsylvania. Even though the bay is outside the state, about half of Pennsylvania sits within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The Susquehanna River and its many streams ultimately flow into the bay. That connection means what happens in Pennsylvania affects the water, wildlife, and people of the Bay Region.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) takes that connection seriously. Grant programs help local governments and non-profits complete recreation and conservation projects. Many of those projects directly benefit the Chesapeake Bay.
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| Responses to Wildfires in Cumberland, Carbon Counties Earns Two DCNR Groups Governor’s Awards for Excellence |
Two teams of DCNR staff members who demonstrated exemplary public service in their wildfire response efforts have been recognized by Governor Josh Shapiro with Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
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| Two State Parks Inducted into the National Old-Growth Forest Network |
Ole Bull State Park in Potter County and Tuscarora State Park in Schuylkill County are the 45th and 46th forests to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, making Pennsylvania the leader for designated old-growth forests in the U.S.
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DCNR Celebrates Outdoors for All |
Events in Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia highlight the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to parks, forests, trails, and outdoor recreation.
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Summer is prime time to do some stargazing (or view the Perseid meteor shower). If you want to head outdoors for some night sky viewing, follow some of these tips to help you have a great experience.
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- Find a place with minimal light pollution from buildings and streetlights, preferably with a clear, open view of the sky.
- No need for extra equipment. Binoculars can enhance your viewing experience, but they are not required.
- Pay attention to the weather. The best stargazing happens on clear night skies with no clouds.
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Prepare your eyes for the dark-sky viewing by avoiding bright light(s). It can take up to 20 minutes for your vision to fully adjust. If you need light, use a red light/filter.
- Be prepared for being outdoors by wearing appropriate clothing and using a blanket or cushion for seating.
- Use stargazing resources or attend a stargazing event to help you identify features in the night sky.
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You can find stargazing opportunities at state parks and forests on our calendar of events.
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August is National Shooting Sports Month, a great time to experience and learn more about target shooting sports and for hunters to hone their skills.
Many Pennsylvania state parks provide opportunities for individuals and families to learn about archery, get started with the sport, or improve skills.
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A team of 23 wildland firefighters from Pennsylvania — led and organized by DCNR's Bureau of Forestry — just returned home after helping fight the Bear Trap Fire near Ely, Minnesota. For 10 days, they worked hard along the Echo and Angleworm trails, doing fuel reduction work. This means removing or changing vegetation so there's less flammable material for fires to burn.
The crew also spent three nights "spiked out" in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Spiked out means they camped close to the fireline instead of going back to the main base camp. Their food and gear were even flown in by helicopter!
Nationwide assignments reflect the strong cooperative agreements that allow DCNR to share skilled, certified wildland firefighters wherever the need is greatest.
We are so proud of these brave women and men. Thank you for your courage, your hard work, and the time you give up with your families to help protect communities across the country.
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Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr
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